As an active member of the WTA since 1999 (when my 2nd daughter began school and 14 years into my teaching career), the idea that "THE UNION" is a separate entity from "THE TEACHERS" has been quite puzzling and at time perturbing to me. I embrace debate that will move our profession forward to better meet the needs of our students and place them on a level playing field with their Finnish, Japanese, and Chinese counterparts. But I completely refute the notion that "The UNION," [in this case the Webster Teachers Association,(WTA) Local #06-205, Affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) as well as the AFL-CIO] serves public education little more than "protecting the bad teachers." The Taylor Law, with its Triburough Amendment, combined with our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA aka our Teachers' Contract) serve to protect us from capricious acts by politicians, management, and even at times, our colleagues. There is no "protecting the person" in any unsavory situation - these documents allow our union leadership to PROTECT THE PROCESS for any teacher - "good" or "bad."I sincerely hope that in these difficult economic times that we can agree to disagree at times and don't turn to canabalize each other out of frustration. Additionally, we should recognize the quality if not the quantity of effort and time the WTA Leadership engages for us, "THE TEACHERS," so that we may have the luxury to focus our efforts on doing just that: TEACH.

I added this blog so our nearly 800 teachers could upload their ideas and comments in a central location rather than "replying to all" in their buildings. Posting these great ideas to this blog could encourage healthy discourse, engaging the faculty of all 11 Webster schools.I ask that we do so in a professional and thoughtful manner. NOTE: If you prefer to remain annonymous, please simply use your initials or WTA Member when asked for your name.